Time seems to stand still in the old village of Aspro, where Villa Calista nestles on a hill overlooking the valleys and sea.

About a kilometre from the larger villages of Almyrida and Gavalohori, Aspro is an old Cretan village that, at one time, was occupied by the Turks. The village still retains architectural evidence of its past.

Quaint stone alleys, gorgeous flowers and vines, olive orchards, a beautiful small church, the tinkle of goat bells, and narrow paths to explore – Aspro is quiet and peaceful. We prefer to think of it as secluded, but not isolated, as just a two-minute drive away and you are in the lively beach resort town of Almyrida with its cafes, bars, shops and tavernas.

Aspro has great hiking options, including a mountain path down to the road to the historic village of Gavalohori.